Roscoe Smith, one of several players to leave Connecticut in the wake of sanctions that'll keep the Huskies out of the 2013 NCAA Tournament, plans to transfer to UNLV, his father told CBS Sports on Friday.

Smith, a 6-8 sophomore forward, will have to sit out the 2012-13 season but will have two years of eligibility remaining. He could be the heir apparent to UNLV star Mike Moser, who is expected to leave for the NBA after next season.

Smith was a starter on UConn's national championship team in '11, averaging 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. But like many Huskies, he struggled last season. He lost his starting job and saw his numbers drop to 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds.

“We are excited to have Roscoe join our program,” Rice said. “He is a terrific player, a proven winner and has a tremendous work ethic. He is a versatile wing that can play and guard multiple positions.

“Roscoe has had the opportunity the last two seasons to be coached by one of the greatest of all time in Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun. His experience as a starter on a national championship team will be a huge asset to our team.”

UNLV, ranked No. 20 in Sporting News' preseason top 25, has a loaded frontcourt and could be primed for its best season since the early '90s. Moser will be joined by incoming top-10 recruit Anthony Bennett and Pitt transfer center Khem Birch, who becomes eligible at the Christmas break.

Even after signing Smith, Runnin' Rebels coach Dave Rice has one more scholarship available. According to the Las Vegas Sun, he's holding that spot open for prep forward Savon Goodman, the No. 72-ranked recruit according to Rivals.com